50 Cal Load help

[Southarkrob]

I just bought a fullstock Hawken flinter from TOW and need help with a starting load.. I have 490 RB's and .18 pillowticking patching. What would be a good hunting load to start with? Been 16 yrs since I shot a traditional 50 cal. Thanks for the help. Robbie

 

[BrownBear]

I'd guess somewhere between 70 and 90 grains, the gun's choice of 2f or 3f. The one I hunt with mostly doesn't seem to know the difference between 80 grains of 3f and 90 grains of 2f. Consequently I use the 3f most of the time so I can prime from the horn, too. Of course, it's no slouch priming with 2f either.

 

[hanshi]

I'd start with 60 grains of 3F or 70 grains of 2F. Sixty grains of 3F has always been a very accurate load in my guns. For hunting, just go up 5 grains at a time till accuracy won't tighten any more.

 

[Southarkrob]

Thanks guys..been a while and I couldnt remember what i shot in my last 50. Thanks Robbie

 

[buford87]

For your fifty anywhere between 70 and 100 grains depending on what is the most accurate would be a good hunting load..................watch yer top knot................

 

[tiger955]

I am assuming you have a good, slow, round ball twist in that TOW rifle, and have to agree with the others that 70-100 gr. 2f will shoot well. That is what I use in my 1-72 GM barreled Hawken, really don't see much difference in accuracy in that load range. In my 1-48 twist it is a lot more fussy about the load, 60-70 gr 2f seems about the best.